December 1 weekend rides

[happyscientist]

On Saturday, I rode an easy 35 miles with a friend. On Sunday, I had a strange ride by myself. I live in a hilly area, and in order to really call yourself a hill climber, you have to tackle a certain hill that I had never done. You get extra cred for doing after a gradual 1700' climb. I have done the 1700' climb many times and it was easy on Sunday, so I decided to tag on the short, steep climb. I got nervous and delayed the start after I saw a truck stall out trying to go up. It was slow and I was breathing like a freight train in my easiest gear, but I made it. When I got to the top, rain started pouring down. The hill was too steep and slick to safely descend. I felt like a cat in a tree. After fishtailing one too many times, I veered into a driveway (it was too slick to stand on the pavement) and walked down the hill in rock-lined drainage ditch. That is the first time I have gone up a hill and been unable to make it back down.

[Eden]

The hill was too steep and slick to safely descend. I felt like a cat in a tree. After fishtailing one too many times, I veered into a driveway (it was too slick to stand on the pavement) and walked down the hill in rock-lined drainage ditch. That is the first time I have gone up a hill and been unable to make it back down.

If you couldn't even stand this may not have helped you get down the hill.... but to prevent fishtailing... 1. use mainly to only your front brake *beware* do not ever slam on just your front brake hard - you can go over your handlebars if you do that.... so ease in - go easy and slowly with your braking 2. put your weight as far back as you can get it - push your butt back behind your saddle like mt bikers do. (be in your drops - which I'm hoping/guessing you were)